Unique Ways to Experience Art in Colorado

From a sprawling artist exhibition in Arvada to Broadway stars in Denver, discover compelling cultural venues.

1Arvada Center

Performance at the Arvada Center.
Photo courtesy of Arvada Center.

January through March marks an exciting time at this arts center. Art of the State 2025, a triennial event, brings 148 new artworks by 145 artists from across Colorado to the 10,000 square-foot space. The center also hosts performances, concerts, and a hot lineup of summer shows, like Trombone from the House of Blues in New Orleans (June 18), in its outdoor amphitheater. Currently, visitors can see Clybourne Park, a Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning satire about race in the suburbs, through March 30.

2Parker Arts

Sculptures outside of Parker Arts.
Photo courtesy of Parker Arts.

Enjoy dazzling performances that range from Mary Poppins to Depeche Mode at this cultural powerhouse in Parker. Named a top Denver-area tourist attraction by the Denver Business Journal, Parker Arts presents interactive dance and art classes in addition to shows. The center’s diverse programming includes standup sets, concerts, lectures, plays, and special events. In May, the Parker Symphony Orchestra will perform one of the most famous and recognizable symphonies, Antonin Dvorak’s Symphony No. 9, better known as the New World Symphony.

3Newman Center

Performance at the Newman Center.
Photo courtesy of Newman Center.

Located on the University of Denver’s campus, this $70 million cultural venue— renowned as one of the nation’s finest university performing arts centers— hosts 300 annual concerts, including orchestras, jazz, world music, and opera, across its four venues: June Swaner Gates Concert Hall, Frederic C. Hamilton Family Recital Hall, Elizabeth Eriksen Byron Theatre, and the Carol and Lisa Williams Recital Hall. This May, three-time Tony Award-winner Patti LuPone will perform songs that are touchstones and reflections on growing up in America.